Originally posted by Whale-ista
Since I'll be in Baja next weekend, had an early Father's Day brunch with my 86 yrs young dad.
I used our brunch to review family photos, reminisce about his life and gather notes to share with family living out of state (I'm the only one still
living near him). This includes interesting talk of his time in Europe in post-WWII Marshal Plan/pre Cold War era deployments.
Even though we have family in Baja, he always worries when I travel south, so I shared the Baja Almanac and we discussed my route and road conditions.
He then began telling me about the 2 weeks he spent in September 1972, traveling the route of Hwy. 1 when it was still under construction.
He was a journalist in San Diego for 25 years after retiring from the Marines. Since his first language is Spanish, he was assigned most of the MX
stories from mid-60s until his retirement in 1992 (including the 1985 Mexico City earthquake).
For the Hwy 1 report, he drove with fellow reporters and photographers in 2 jeeps, caravanning with cars carrying politicos and SCT representatives.
My dad and his Jeep compadres camped near the construction areas while the others stayed in the new hotels being constructed along with the paved
road. (Many of them are now abandoned.)
When I told him I'd probably be staying overnight in Guerrero Negro, he recollected eating in the dining hall of the Salt works facility and being
scrutinized by the Japanese managers who suspected them of industrial espionage for some reason. Of course, 40 years ago not many tourists visited GN,
let alone carrying camera gear and taking notes.
He also remembered camping in the hills south of town, looking at the lights near the plant, and a group of lights a short distance away where the,
ahem, "ladies" stayed who entertained the workers far from home. Apparently, GN was not the large community it has become with the new road, and many
single men worked there for months at a time and needed... companionship. (I'm guessing that included the salt plant and road crew workers a short
distance away.)
There were no military barracks at the 28th parallel then-just the hotel.
Also, he recalled he and his camping friends were awakened that night by explosions. Being a 20 yr USMC vet with a combat tour in Korea, this was a
bit unsettling...until they realized it was the road crew using dynamite for blasting thru the canyon route. The men were working overnight to avoid
the daytime September heat.
He also talked about covering the start of the Baja 1000 in Ensenada, then taking a flight to La Paz to greet the winners at the finish line.
He still travels to the Cabo area, but now stays in the inclusive resorts- his days of sleeping on the ground are long behind him.
Finally, he discussed visiting a state prison south of Santa Rosalia. Anyone know about that? Is it still there?
So I learned a few new things about Baja, and my dad.
Wishing other nomads a Happy Father's Day next week! |
